As yoga continues to weave its way into the fabric of modern improve life, it’s easy to get caught up in the zen vibes and forget that, well, we’re all human. And humans can be messy, especially on the mat. I’ve been teaching yoga for years, and let’s be real – some students make my job a delight, while others… not so much. If you’re guilty of any of the following, don’t worry – we’ve all been there.
The Hog
We’ve all been stuck in a class where one student seems to think the entire room revolves around them. You know, the person who spreads their mat out like they’re claiming their own personal yoga kingdom, complete with props and blankets strategically placed to maximize their practice. Newsflash: the studio isn’t your personal playground. Be mindful of your space, and for the love of all things yogic, don’t hog the good spots.
The Phone Fiend
Let’s face it – our phones are basically attached to our hips. But when you step onto the mat, it’s time to put that thing away. No one wants to see your Instagram worthy savasana pose if it’s accompanied by the glow of your screen. Your teacher will not appreciate the glow emanating from your mat, and neither will your fellow students. Silence it, put it on airplane mode, or better yet, leave it in your bag.
The Chatty Cathy
Yoga is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, but let’s not get too carried away. Your teacher isn’t trying to be your BFF, and your fellow students didn’t sign up for a chat fest. Save the small talk for before or after class, and keep the zen vibes flowing during practice.
The Savasana Snoozer
Savasana – the ultimate relaxation pose. For some, it’s a time to recharge and rejuvenate; for others, it’s an excuse to catch some Z’s. If you’re the latter, don’t worry – we’ve all been there (or should I say, we’ve all been asleep?). However, try to stay awake and focused, even if it’s just to enjoy the calming ambiance of the studio.
The Mat Monopolizer
You show up to class fashionably late, and before you know it, all the good spots are taken. But instead of finding a spot that works for you, you proceed to rearrange the entire studio to suit your needs. Don’t be that person. Be flexible (pun intended), and find a spot that works for you without disrupting the entire class.
So, there you have it the top 5 signs you may have bad yoga manners. Don’t worry if you identify with any (or all) of these; we’re all works in progress. Just be mindful of your fellow students, respect your teacher, and most importantly, enjoy the practice.